Question:
What if I can't go through with it?
I have never been in the hospital a day in my life. I'm a little nervous that I won't go through with the surgery for fear of the unknown. PLEASE HELP!!!! — SheriP. (posted on March 2, 2009)
March 2, 2009
You need to read, read, read! This has been the most rewarding experience
I have ever had. If you are truly ready for the change you are about to be
involved in, the hospital stay is only a bump in the road. I am two months
out and so motivated to stay on the path to a brighter future. I am
feeling so good and looking so much better, I find it hard to complain
about much. (One of my favorite shirts, I just bought a month ago, does not
fit anymore! I find it hard to keep clothes in my closet that aren't too
baggy! I won't buy a new bathing suit just yet, because I know I will be
smaller soon.) The hospital stay was not all that bad--it was the best
place to be to get started on the journey. Arm yourself with plenty of
support and read everything you can get your hands on. If you don't take
this chance at a new life, you will regret it! Good luck and look to the
future--you won't look back!
— kristina838
March 2, 2009
I was also nervous about this new step but I knew that whatever I had tried
before...DID NOT WORK! I was looking at my mother and said to myself,
"when will I get diabetes, when will I have my heart attack...?"
This was one part of my focus and the other part was, "The way that I
was existing was not "living" but dying slowly and
painfully." I had my surgery when I was 59 years old and all of my
medical problems have been resolved (sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, knee, hip and back pains, and especially acid reflux. I also
had two hernias repaired at the same time!). I am very grateful that I was
able to start this new life of physical health. It is normal to be afraid
of surgery but be MORE afraid of your unhealthy and destructive future!
Good luck,
Sincerely,
Rena RNY 4/30/08
110 lbs, lost 117 lbs FOREVER!
— RenaMansi
March 2, 2009
That is very possible. I know two people who on surgery day just could not
do it...One never did and I lost track of her...The other rescheduled when
she felt better about her research and put her crippling fears to rest. She
did it 3 months later! She's off living herself a healthy, thin life
somewhere. If you are not ready, you won't and shouldn't do it. The more
you learn about the surgery you want, the better you should feel...If it
feels worse, maybe it's not for you. I will tell you what I told the one
who did have the surgery...EVERYDAY, you risk your life when you turn on
your gas stove, get in the car and on the highway, take a walk outside at
teh same time some angry kid with a gun goes on a rampage...run outside in
a thunder storm, swim in the ocean or a pool, go hiking on a nature
trail...eat a piece of food and swallow too big a piece, trust others to
provide you with edible foods from the grocery store in boxes or packages
with WHO the heck knows what the ingredients are (Nothing I have in MY
spice cabinet) Life is a giant risk for the living...You can try to hide
from and avoid disaster the best you can and just LIVE the bvst life you
can like the majority of us, and those with handicaps....
People live their lives with missing eyes and ears and limbs and kidneys
and transfered pieces-parts...We as WLS are no different...We are
rearranged inside, and asked to eat healthy natural foods and we'll be
thinner and healthier than dying from MO and all the problems that come
with that life and that huge body of pain and disease. What are the risks
if you DON'T have surgery? Look them up. Then look at just how many of us
turn to this surgery for that second chance and do GREAT! Are you really
that special that you will get stuck by WLS lightening? I wasn't. I am so
grateful for my last 5 years post op and in a thinner, healthier mind,
spirit and body! So don;t go into surgery with the "unknown"...Do
your research and KNOW what you face! And if you still can't do it...no one
will think badly of you...We are all scared when we do surgery...(There are
a few hard-core surgery freaks who are not scared at all... I am sure!
LOL) Not me! Good luck! You'll do it if you are ready...if not...No one
has any right to judge you!
— .Anita R.
March 2, 2009
Research, read, then research some more. Be very honest with your pre-op
nurse. Most hospitals are aware of people that have never been in a
hospital before and they will do what is necessary.
— kfgates
March 2, 2009
Just try to relax this procedure has been preformed a lot and hospital is
great. They treated me great n no pain. Just believe and trust how much
better you will be in 6 months let alone1 year.
— Eneleh
March 2, 2009
Sheri, I to had never been in a hospital a day in my life. I was a little
nervous but once I was there, I looked at it like the begining of my new
life. You will be fine. We are all here for you.
— racegirl
March 2, 2009
I understand. I have the same fear due to never having to go to a
hospital,etc. And now you are your way to have a procdure/surgery that
will change your life for the good but it does not remove that fear of just
"simply" going through surgery. I have done tons and tons of
research seems like forever but there is nothing that tells you how much or
less pain you will be in and so on. Overall, we know the positive from this
surgery but the fear is there until the day the surgery is done and over.
— crystal220
March 2, 2009
Sheri, I think what you are feeling is perfectly normal. You are probably
feeling so many different things. I was happy, excited, scared, fearful
etc before I had RNY. I have no regrets of having RNY November 2007 140
pounds gone forever. I feel so strongly about this that my husband and my
daughter are both going thru the process to have the surgery. You will be
fine in the hospital. Remember they are there to take care of you. Just do
your research and let them take care of you at the hospital. You wont
regret it when you are on the other side. You might not feel real good for
the first few days after surgery but the hospital will take care of your
pain and any discomfort you may have. Again they are there for you. Good
luck to you. Karen
— karenyhb
March 2, 2009
Sheri... are you nervous about staying in the hospital or is it the surgery
that is making you anxious? Research and read all that you can. You need
to be comfortably with your decision to do the surgery. Don't get it if
you have any doubts about it. I would hate to see you go through the
surgery and then regret it. Be sure that this is what you want. If it is
truly only the hospital stay that is making you scared.. talk to the nurse
director at the hospital where your surgery will be. I am sure that they
would be able to give you a tour of the places where you will be staying
and maybe this will make you feel a little better. Also, attend the
support groups that the hospital hosts. You will be able to speak with
some of the people that have been right where you are at this moment and
they may be able to put your mind at ease. If you are sure that the
surgery is for you, don't let the fear of the unknown (hospital stay) stand
in your way... familiarize yourself with hospital. I am sure that they
will help you overcome your fear. They want you to be successful, too.
After all, if you are successful, you will be better advertisement for
their program than they could pay for... good luck...
— Kari_K
March 2, 2009
In 1986, I was scheduled for weight loss surgery. This was the time before
personal computers. BUT, I did my own research, and discovered that the
type of surgery that I was scheduled for (that isn't done, anymore), had
SOOOOO many problems, AND a life expectancy of ONLY a few years afterwards.
This convinced me to cancel the surgery.
BUT, the surgery has improved SOOOOO much now, that I wasn't afraid to
have an RNY in 2003. I have lost around 160ish pounds (started out at 309,
and am 134ish) and am SOOO glad that I waited, and finally did it (had this
type of surgery).
My advise to you would be - make a list of the positive things that
substantial weight loss would make on your life. Check out what other's
have said about the impact on their lives. Then - dream about your future!
Best wishes. Hope to "see you on the other side" (of the weight
loss surgery), when you will share with us your wonderous journey.
— StarWish624
March 2, 2009
Sheri. What your going through is normal. I backed out and rescheduled and
wanted to back out the day of surgery. Am I glad I didn't, I had my sugery
on 2/9/09 and I haven't had one hint of trouble, except I got Dizzy a few
times this past week. They said I was not getting enough to drink so I
started on G2 so I'll replenish my electrolites.Since I started on the
shakes on Feb.1,09 to March 1,09 I'm down 52
pounds. I started @ 323lbs. Once you've done it, It really is not hard to
stay with. Go For It,and Gob Bless You what ever you decide.2Lazy2Mike
— 2lazy2Mike
March 2, 2009
Sheri,the other posts are great advice.I've had 8 surgeries within the last
9yrs, so I kinda consider myself an expert.You have to really accept that
you are doing this for the betterment of your health and your life.I felt
the same way you do when I became pregnant. It is the unknown that scares
people, but embrace it and put your faith in a higher power. I'm the type
who has to know all the ins and outs and understand the whys and how
something works. I've had cancer 3x, bi-lateral mastectomies and gastric
bypass was by far the easiest surgery. I always, and I stress always, go
under with a positive attitude and the knowledge that I'm in competent
hands. If you do not feel this way about your surgeon, then find one you do
feel confident about.Once your surgery is over, you'll look back on this
and feel silly. Good luck and know the best is yet to come.
Cheryle
— amistique569
March 3, 2009
I understand what you are going through - but I kept reminding myself how
much more I would have to go through and how much time I would likely spend
in the hospital with other procedures if I didn't have this surgery and
lose weight! Do you have a good support group? Someone that can be with
you and hold your hand each step of the way? This really helps! And read
as much as you can and ask questions - the more informed you are, the less
"unknown" out there to be afraid of. You are in my prayers!
When is your surgery? And what kind are you having?
— Wendy M.
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